Chelsea, Watford in EPL stalemate

Watford put the brakes on Chelsea's resurgence by holding the defending English Premier League champions to a 0-0 draw at Vicarage Road on Wednesday.

Chelsea, who remain unbeaten since Guus Hiddink took over from Jose Mourinho in December, were unable to find a way through a rock-solid Watford rearguard, with the hosts creating the better opportunities on a night of few chances.

Watford's Odion Ighalo passed up the best opening in the first half when he misjudged the flight of a cross and completely fluffed a header when three metres from goal.

Diego Costa flashed a first-half shot wide and had a late header superbly saved by Watford keeper Heurelho Gomes, who also reacted quickly to parry an effort from Branislav Ivanovic as Chelsea applied late pressure.

The draw moved Watford to ninth on the ladder while Chelsea languish in 13th.